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Genetically altered mice no longer like cocaine

Researchers found that they could eliminate the rewarding effect of cocaine on mice by genetically manipulating a key target of the drug in the animal’s brain. While the researchers aren’t suggesting that these genetic modifications be made in humans, the work brings to light the key protein that controls cocaine’s effects in the body, which may help scientists develop medications that achieve the same results and therefore help addicts overcome their dependence.

Frontline’s “The Age of AIDS” & the parallel “The human body is an ecosystem”

Frontline’s “The Age of AIDS” provoked so many emotions, that I felt emotionally drained after watching the program. Incidentally, while watching this wonderful program, another great article in the American Labororatory (May, 2006) jumped out at me…”What Is This Thing Called Me? by Daniel Schneck, a professor at Virginia Tech.

Amnesiac Study Offers Insights Into How Working Memory Works

Memory tests performed with amnesiacs have enabled researchers to refute a long-held belief in an essential difference between long-and short-term memories. In the study, researchers from the University of Pennsylvania determined that the hippocampus — a seahorse shaped structure in the middle of the brain — was just as important for retrieving certain types of short-term memories as it is for long-term memories.

Epidemic of unneeded amputations

Non-traumatic amputations – those caused by arterial blockages related to diabetes, smoking, obesity and vascular system complications – are occurring at an alarming rate. Yet physicians may be too quick to amputate as 85 percent of them may be preventable, according to the International Diabetes Foundation.

Climate change responsible for increased hurricanes

Human induced climate change, rather than naturally occurring ocean cycles, may be responsible for the recent increases in frequency and strength of North Atlantic hurricanes, according to Penn State and Massachusetts Institute of Technology researchers. “Anthropogenic factors are likely responsible for long-term trends in tropical Atlantic warmth and tropical cyclone activity,” the researchers report in an upcoming issue of the American Geophysical Society’s EOS.